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AN INSPIRATION TO ALL

Isabel is an eight-year old girl from Sweden, who suffers from severe scoliosis and spina bifida, yet she is a beautiful girl who has a winning smile and a beauty that stems from being genuinely loved by her family.

Isabel came to Malta to live her dream - to swim with dolphins. This dream became reality on the 22nd April through the help of a Swedish TV programme “My Big Day” and the Malta Tourism Authority. Little Isabel was nominated by the programme to have her dream realised. My Big Day takes a closer look at children who spend a lot of time in and out of hospitals and offers children the opportunity to live their dreams.

Isabel has to be treated regularly for her conditions, and visits the hospital no less than 6 times a year for her scoliosis and apart from this is operated twice a year and needs to pay further visits through the year due to the spina bifida. Yet in the face of such challenges Isabel remains calm, determined and very positive, her ability to cope with the demands of her condition are amazing and I am sure she could put a few us to shame. Isabel refuses to use her wheel chair and insists on walking as much as possible. She is also meant to wear a back brace for at least 20 hours day; however, her family break the rules, as they try to allow her as much freedom and normality as possible. Isabel’s mother said that she is a very responsible child and is very aware of the limitations she has and behaves accordingly, and this permits them to send her to a mainstream school and leave her unshackled without the brace.

Whilst in Malta Isabel, together with her younger sister and parents, have been treated to two fun filled days by the Malta Tourism Authority and the family who are in Malta for the first time are thrilled to be here. Isabel who was positively glowing at the thought of meeting the dolphins, thinks Malta is beautiful and fun. She said she is going to have so much to tell her friends, doctors and nurses when she returns home to Sweden; where within two weeks she is due to undergo another operation, which was specifically postponed so Isabel could live her dream in Malta.

Walking away from the café where I met Isabel and her family I couldn’t help but feel energised and inspired, not only by Isabel but by her family who are a source of love, care and patience to her. Isabel we wish you well.